Ruth Dawson Campbell, 75, of Perry, died Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012. Ms. Campbell was born Oct. 30, 1937 in Lake Wales, FL to the late Clarence Malone Dawson and the late Corine Bundy Dawson. She was a member of The Refuge Assembly of God. Ruth was preceded in death by a daughter, Elizabeth Ann Campbell; two sons, Michael Lee Campbell and Anthony Wayne Campbell; one brother, William Earl Dawson and a former husband, Floyd Lee Campbell. Survivors include three daughters, Pat Campbell, Joyce Casas, both of Perry and Joan Campbell of Rock Hill, South Carolina; two sons, William Dawson and Mark Campbell, both of Warner Robins; three sisters, Barbara Helen Hathcock of Sylvester, Dorthy Lee Daniel of Albany and Linda Dawson Pope of Lakeland, FL; one brother, Wayne Malone Dawson of Baconton; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services for Ruth Campbell were held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 1 in the chapel of Swain Funeral Home with the Revs. Billy Thomas, John Harrell and Daryl Pate officiating. Interment followed in Carter Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Ryan Campbell, Mark Campbell, Jr., Jesse Campbell, James Dawson, Brandon Barnes and London Grant. Musical selections were rendered by Valerie Thomas. Arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.
Michael Rodney Tillman
Michael Rodney Tillman, 53, of Surrency, died Nov. 24, 2012 in a car accident in Baxley. Tillman is the son of the late James T. and Della Mae Tillman. Michael Rodney was born Nov. 16, 1959. He was a life-long resident of Appling County. Michael was a graduate of the Journeyman Ironworkers and was a Union member of the local 709. In addition to his parents, his brother, Jimmy Tillman, preceded him in death. Survivors include one son, Michael Ryan Tillman of Odum; one sister, Wendy (Mike) Sellers of Hazlehurst; one brother, Greg (Cheryl) Tillman of Surrency and two nieces and four nephews also survive. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27 at Bethel Methodist Church with the Revs. Carl Rowell and Frank Davidson officiating. Interment followed in Bethel United Methodist Church Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Dennis Stevens, Greg Tillman, Jr., Shawn Tillman, Corey Turner, Frank Boone and Ronald Watson. Musical selections were rendered by Sandra Nettles. Arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.
Freddie Lee Reynolds
Freddie Lee Reynolds died Nov. 20, 2012 at Wayne Memorial Hospital in Jesup. Freddie was born Oct. 3, 1941 in Jeff Davis County to the late Odell Bryant and Maggie Thomas-Reynolds. Survivors include one daughter, Apostle Loranne (Freddy) Stokes; five grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; son, Rico (YaTonya) Reynolds; Sis. Willie Mae Reynolds and Ephlia Hargrove; brothers, Robert Lawson, Joseph Lawson; one special grandson, Ronnie Kitchen; two sisters-in-law, Catherine Lawson and Daisy Bell Reynolds and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Funeral services were held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 24 at St. John Church of God in Christ with Elder W. H. Solomon officiating. Interment followed in Old Field Memorial Gardens. Active pallbearers were cousins. Musical selections were rendered by a combined choir. Arrangements were under the direction of Baxley Funeral Home.
Phillip Kerry Geiger
Phillip Kerry Geiger, 57, of Brunswick, died Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2012. Phillip was born Feb. 7, 1955 in Jacksonville, FL. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Brunswick and had attended Midway Baptist Church of Baxley. Geiger was retired from Gulfstream Aerospace. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Iva Louise Geiger and a brother, Paul Henry Geiger. Survivors include one daughter and son-in-law, Candace and Brian Keith Emery of Brunswick; one son, David Brent Geiger of Brunswick; one sister-in-law, Carrie Hunter Geiger of Baxley; one granddaughter, Annabelle Elizabeth Emery of Brunswick and four nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services for Phillip Kerry Geiger were held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8 from Midway Baptist Church with the Rev. Wayne Williamson officiating. Interment followed in church cemetery. Visitation was held Saturday from 2:00 p.m. until the funeral hour at Midway Baptist Church. Musical selections were rendered by Floyd Hunter and David Williams. Arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.
Stoney Artemus Hartley
Stoney Artemus Hartley, 69, died Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012 in the Pavilion. Hartley was born April 9, 1943 to the late Daniel Harvey Hartley and the late Mattie Estelle Gordon Hartley. He was a member of Baxley Church of God. Hartley was preceded in death by his wife, Nelda Long Hartley and two sisters, Vonice Deen and Pauline Smith. Survivors include two sisters, Lucille Perry and Bonnell and Gene Doyle, both of Baxley; two brothers, Eddie and Ann Hartley of Lyons and Lamar and Frankie Hartley of Jacksonville, FL; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5 from the Baxley Church of God with the Reverends Lamar Lee and David Price officiating. Interment followed in Omega Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Ned Deen, Kelly Atkinson, Dale Smith, Kevin Atkinson, Randy Doyle, Danny Smith and Bruce Wolfson. Honorary pallbearers were Life Journey Sunday-School Class of Baxley Church of God and the Pavilion Nursing Staff of Hall C. Musical selections were rendered by the Baxley Church of God Choir. Arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.
Michael Lynn "Mickey" Lewis, Sr.
Michael Lynn "Mickey" Lewis, Sr., 76, died Monday, Dec. 3, 2012 in Tallahassee, FL. Mickey was born Dec. 27, 1935 to the late John D. Lewis and the late Frankie Brown Lewis. He was preceded in death by a brother, John D. Lewis, Jr. He was a member of First Baptist Church where he served as Sunday-School Superintendent. Mickey was affiliated with the Appling Country Club, Kiwanis, and the Touchdown Club, as well as many other organizations throughout his life. He was a graduate of The University of Georgia and a lifetime Dawgs fan. Survivors include his wife, Jean Whitaker Lewis of Baxley; son, Michael Lynn Lewis, Jr. and wife Debra of Augusta; three daughters, Fran Sullivan and husband Mike of Atlanta, Jennifer Bullard and husband George of Augusta and Millie Gage and husband John of Asheboro, N.C.; eight grandchildren and seven nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 6 from the First Baptist Church with the Rev. Keith Alderman officiating. Eulogy was given by Al Graham. Interment followed in Omega Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Jeff Baxley, Jeff Rountree, Larry Knight, Jimmy Graham, Robert Rountree and David Rountree. Honorary pallbearers were all those in attendance. Musical selections were rendered by Jeff Lewis. Memorials may be made to the building fund of First Baptist Church, 15 North Main Street, Baxley, GA 31513. Arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.
Wynnell Taylor Sellers
Wynnell Taylor Sellers, 93, died Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2012 at Appling Healthcare System. A native of Emmanuel County, she had lived in Appling County, for the past 85 years. She was born Nov. 27, 1919 to the late Judson Taylor and the late Halie Davis Taylor. She was a charter member of Calvary Baptist Church. Wynnell was preceded in death by her husband, W. Lamar Sellers. Survivors include two sons, Carlos Sellers and wife, Deloris of Phoenix City, AL and Larry Sellers and wife, Mary of Cleveland; one daughter, Janice Sellers of Baxley, and godchild, Kathy Warren of Baxley; one sister, Helen T. Dubberly of Savannah; eight grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great-grandchildren also survive. Graveside services were held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7 from Calvary Baptist Church Cemetery with the Revs. Roger LaRoche and Randy Sellers officiating. Active pallbearers were grandsons, Erik Ranstead, Danny Green, Timmy Hipps, Dale Atkins, Chris Sellers and David Atkins. Visitation was held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday evening at Swain Funeral Home. Arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.
Eugene "Gene" Teston
Eugene "Gene" Teston, 77, died Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012 in Jesup. Gene was born June 12, 1935 in Bacon County to the late Albert Lee Teston and the late Ninas Underwood Teston. He was a member of Baxley Christian Center. Teston was a veteran of the United States Army. He was the owner of Gene's Fitness Center and Karate School. He was preceded in death by a son, Darrell Teston. Survivors include his wife, Doris C. Teston of Baxley; one son and daughter-in-law, Greg and Chanda Teston of Baxley; three sisters, Christine Yeomans and Merlene Gore, both of Baxley, and Juanita London of Jesup; one brother, Donald Teston of Toombs County; and one grandson, Dylan Christopher. Funeral services for Gene Teston were held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8 from Swain Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Walter Langdon, Pastor David Deen and the Rev. Rick Brown officiating. Interment followed in Omega Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Kevin Parker, Gary Yawn, Allen Atkins, Allen Copeland, Steve Craven and Tony Adams. Honorary pallbearers were all friends in attendance and Leeotis Williams. Musical selections were rendered by Robbie Tomberlin and David Williams. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society c/o Gail Taylor, 124 Brown Street S.W., Baxley, Ga. 31513 or Hospice of South Georgia, Inc., 1625 Sunset Blvd, Jesup, Ga. 31545. Arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.
Doris Courson Carter
Doris Courson Carter, 88, died Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2012 at Baptist Village in Waycross. A native of Appling County, Doris was born May 20, 1924, and was the last surviving child of the late Riley and Leola Smith Courson. She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, the Rev. Elzie G. Carter, a sister, Cleo Carter and brothers, James Everett, Brady, Gene and Tracey Courson. Mrs. Carter was a member of Dunn Memorial Baptist Church and the Ladies Adult Sunday School Class. She was a devoted wife and co-worker with her late husband in the gospel ministry for 50+ years. Doris was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and family member. An accomplished seamstress, she especially enjoyed working in her yard and garden. She was an immaculate homemaker and will be remembered by family and friends for her gentle spirit and tidy appearance. Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Jeanette and Larry Hengeveld of Waycross and Maxine and Bill Crosby of Baxley; nine grandchildren and spouses, Steve and Dolores Stipe, Stan and Jennie Stipe, Scott and Shae Stipe, Shannon and Kris Stipe, Stuart and Summer Stipe, Wendy and Jeffrey Simmons, Travis and Sarah Crosby, Blake and Jennifer Crosby and Chuck and Robin Crosby; 21 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services for Doris Courson Carter were held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 15 at Dunn Memorial Baptist Church with the Rev. Rick Brown officiating. Eulogy given by Steve Stipe. Interment followed in Omega Cemetery. Active pallbearers were grandchildren. Honorary pallbearers were all friends in attendance. Musical selections were rendered by Donna Howard and David Williams. Remembrances may be made to Dunn Memorial Baptist Church, c/o Sandra Greenway, P. O. Box 498, Baxley, GA 31515 or a preferred charity. Arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.
Thirkield Rooks, Jr.
Thirkield Rooks, Jr., (black) died Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012. Thirkield, Jr. was born March 15, 1947 in Appling County, to the parentage of the late Thirkield Rooks, Sr. and the late Christine Burch Rooks. He was educated in the Appling County School System. Rooks retired from Baxley Steel, Inc., after devoting many years of service to the company. He joined Harper Chapel United Methodist Church at an early age. He served faithfully on different committees and various capacities at the church including the Worship Committee, Pastor Parish Relations, Lay Leader, choir member, Trustee and the United Methodist Men. Rooks was devoted to his family and loved by all his family. In addition to his parents, Rooks was also preceded in death by a sister, Linda Rooks Gilcrease and a niece, Joyce E. Gilcrease. He is survived by his children, Candice Davis of Uvalda and Reginald Rooks of Baltimore, MD; one sister, Dr. Brenda R. (Atty. Huey) Spearman of Waycross; one brother, Kyron E. Rooks of Savannah; aunts, Josephine Burch and Almedia Mann, both of Uvalda, Alretta Wooten, JoAnna Rooks, Alene Rooks and Ruby Lee Rooks, all of Baxley, Evelyn (Isaiah) Isom of Valdosta and Zelene (Rev. Columbus) Burns of Savannah; uncles, Roland (Annie Bea) Rooks and Norman (Joann) Rooks, both of Baxley; one grandson, Joseph Rooks; nieces and nephews, Calvin Gilcrease, Joey Gilcrease, Frank Leon Gilcrease, Stephanie Gilcrease, Sherrie Gilcrease, Edward Rooks, James Moore and Brett Williams; special friend, Louise Doomes of Jesup; a devoted cousin, Pearl Hall of Hazlehurst; and a host of cousins, other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13 from Harper Chapel United Methodist Church, Baxley, with the Rev. Columbus Burns presiding. Rev. Antoine E. Walker, pastor, of Harper Chapel UMC, gave eulogy. Interment followed in Baxley Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Carzell Rooks, Jr., Joey Gilcrease, Calvin Gilcrease, Edward Rooks, Brett Williams, Eddie J. Hall, James Moore, John Jones and Barry Burch. Honorary pallbearers were cousins and friends. Anthony Tillman and Harper Chapel UMC Choir rendered musical selections. Arrangements were under the direction of Brown Funeral Home.
